FAQ

Do you have any questions?… It’s pretty normal to have questions related to plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures, even when you’re only starting to think about it! Dr. Manuel Gutierrez and his certified team have the answer to the most frequently asked questions from their patients. Their answers may help reduce the anxiety and concerns generated from plastic surgery.

Here you will find the answers of many general doubts, traveling to Mexico specifications, and the process involved with plastic surgery. We encourage you to read this information and contact us to schedule a consultation so we can answer any further questions.

What is Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery is a subspecialty of medicine and Surgery that uniquely restricts itself to the enhancement of appearance through surgical and medical techniques. It is specifically concerned with maintaining normal appearance, restoring it, or enhancing it beyond the average level toward some aesthetic ideal. Cosmetic Surgery is a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approach directed to all areas of the head, neck and body.

Special skill and knowledge are essential and specialists in Cosmetic Surgery are competent in the anatomy, physiology, pathology and basics sciences. The educational profile of this specialty is unique in that it begins with a fully trained and certified surgeon. Through continued post-residency education training, and experience, Cosmetic Surgery is taught and learned across traditional disciplinary boundaries. The subspecialty fully incorporates the participation and knowledge from all contributing disciplines to attain a high level of skill and understanding. Contributing disciplines include Dermatologic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Oculoplastic Surgery, Oral-maxillofacial Surgery and others.

The Cosmetic Surgeon offers specialized expertise in patient education and counseling, procedural skills, and the early recognition and treatment of complications. As a specialty, Cosmetic Surgeons have enhanced the knowledge and training of fellow physicians and directly benefited society through educational publications, scientific journals and in the development of safe and innovative techniques. Competency in Cosmetic Surgery implies a combination of knowledge, surgical judgment, technical expertise and ethics in order to achieve the goal of providing aesthetic improvement.

What is the difference between Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery?

Plastic Surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Cosmetic Surgery is elective and meant to enhance one’s appearance and Plastic Surgery is necessary and reconstructive in nature.

How many people undergo Cosmetic Surgery each year?

According to ISAPS Statistics, there were more than 21 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed worldwide in 2015, an increase of over 1 million reported cosmetic procedures from 2014.

How many men have Cosmetic Surgery?

Men had more than 3 million surgical and nonsurgical procedures, 14.4% of the total. The number gets larger each year as men grow increasingly comfortable with the concept of Cosmetic Surgery for themselves.

What are the most popular procedures for men?

The top five surgical procedures performed on men in 2015 were: Eyelid Surgery, Liposuction, Gynecomastia, Rhinoplasty, Fat Grafting and Ear Surgery. Other popular procedures for men in our practice include: Botox, Hair Transplantation/restoration, Chemical Peel & Microdermabrasion.

What is the recovery from cosmetic surgery like?

Each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to help minimize any discomfort. In general, most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation can cause discomfort equal to a C-section.

How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?

The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient’s desires, reasons for the surgery and overall health.

For example, are you doing it because you feel your breasts are too small relative to your body contour or are you unhappy with the size and firmness of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or major weight loss? Unevenness between the breasts can also be a motivating factor. Your surgeon can help you make the right decision during your pre-surgical appointments.

What is the current medical consensus regarding the safety of silicone Breast Implants?

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and other medical associations have put forth a great deal of research on the safety of silicone breast implants. Recently, the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine came to the following conclusions based on new studies on silicone breast implant safety:

There is no evidence suggesting silicone used for Breast Implants are toxic to humans.

There is no established link between implants and a unique disease syndrome. Problems ascribed to implants generally involve symptoms that are nonspecific and common to the general population.

Breast Cancer mortality is not higher in women who have implants. However, the presence of implants can make it difficult to detect cancer through mammography.

Women with Breast Implants are no more likely than the rest of the population to develop serious illnesses.

Is Botulinum Toxin dangerous?

Even though Botulinum Toxin is a formulation of botulinum toxin type A, it is sterilized and purified for medical applications. Since Botulinum Toxin treatments are a non-surgical procedure, the risks and possible complications are infrequent, minimal and temporary. The most common reported side-effects are headaches, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eye-lid droop, and nausea.

Is there a right age to undergo Plastic Surgery?

This depends on the procedure and is determined on a case-by-case basis. Certain reconstructive surgery procedures have been performed on patients of all ages, while certain procedures are recommended for more mature patients. Consult with your Plastic surgeon to determine if you are a qualified candidate for the procedure you are considering.

Is Plastic Surgery dangerous?

There is always the risk of complications occurring during the operation and even after the operation. Each individual procedure has its share of risks. The risk is greater for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be treated.

Complications can be reduced significantly by choosing the right doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure you are considering, please share these feelings with your surgeon.

Do you need Anesthesia for Plastic Surgery?

How many procedures can I have at the same time?

Multiple procedures are done at the surgeon’s discretion. Having multiple procedures performed at the same time is less expensive than having them performed individually. The benefit of doing multiple areas at one time is that you take advantage of the operating room. You have already paid for the anesthesia and hospital fees. Having the procedure performed separately means you have to pay for these expenses again. Also, doing all the procedures at one time can allow you to only have to take one vacation from work for recovery. However, there is increased risk of complications. For example, by having multiple procedures performed, the patient risks having a prolonged exposure to general anesthesia. Consult with your surgeon if you are considering having multiple procedures.

How soon can I get back to work after Plastic Surgery?

The length of time it takes to recover after plastic surgery depends on the type of procedure performed and the patient. Most patients will require assistance for the first two and three days following surgery.

What type of documentation do I need to travel Tijuana?

If you’re traveling from US to Tijuana Mexico you’ll only need an original birth certificate, a driver’s license or State ID as a proof of citizenship. (A copy of these documents is not recommended, you might have to go through secondary inspection)

What do I need to bring with me for Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Manuel Gutierrez recommends to travel light for plastic surgery, you will only need to bring your personal hygiene items and comfortable clothes (sweatpants, loose clothing, sneakers…) for the number of days you’re staying. You won’t need other special items to stay in the Clinic during the plastic surgery process and recovery.

Note: According to the type of surgery you may need a special garment or shapewear, you can buy these with Dr. Manuel Gutierrez and his team or other place of your preference.

Do I need to arrange transportation?

No, Dr. Manuel Gutierrez and his team will take care of the transportation… Some of your personal information, such as: name, flight information and phone number will be provided to the driver to pick you up at the San Diego airport and drive you to Dr. Manuel Gutierrez facilities. If you decides to stay/rent a hotel room during the process, the driver will pick you up from the facilities and drive you to and from your hotel if you need to come back to the clinic. Also you’ll be driven back to the airport after the procedure to for your flight back home.

How do I book a Consultation for plastic surgery with Dr. Manuel Gutierrez?

You can do it by phone, or here in this website. Fill the form that is located in the home/main page of this site with your personal information. During a period of less than 48 hours Dr. Manuel Gutierrez’s staff is going to get in contact with you to schedule an appointment.

Note: It’s highly recommended to send pictures, comments and expectations by email to analyze and provide a personalized consultation to identify and understand your needs. Dr. Manuel Gutierrez will guide you through the pre-operative guidelines. Also it’s very important to send or inform the surgeon about possible health conditions and prior medical studies to conduct a safer and successful plastic surgery.

What happens if I bring a companion with me?

Dr. Manuel Gutierrez and his team understand that this is a very important decision and you may need some help and support from a family member or friend… Only one companion can stay with you in the facilities during the process.

What happens right after the Operating Room?

Once the surgery is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery room to rest. After a short period of hours, you’ll be transferred to a personal room where you’ll be taking care by Dr. Gutierrez staff of nurses. During your recovery Dr. Manuel Gutierrez team will provide personalized care, meals only for the patient and a 24/7 monitoring. Also Dr. Gutierrez will personally check on the patient one day after surgery.

Will I need a prescription after Plastic Surgery?

Before going back to your home town, you will be provided with post-op guidelines, instructions, prescriptions, medications, special garments and shapewear according to the specific surgery.

Do I need to go back to the Clinic after plastic surgery?

Dr. Manuel Gutierrez staff will book your next appointment for the follow up of the surgery; if you’re in Tijuana for the next appointment, Dr. Gutierrez or his team will remove drainage or stitches… Patients that aren’t able to visit the clinic again need to notify and contact their primary care physician to perform the procedures after surgery (Remove drainage, stitches, other…).